Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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You are here: Home / Archives for birds

Birds Simply Need a Good Birdbath

May 29, 2012 at 7:30 am by Claudia

Those of you who have been with me for a while should remember the damage we suffered last fall from Hurricane Irene. We lost a massive limb from our Sugar Maple. As we watched in horror, the limb fell in slow motion, crashing to the ground only about 5 feet from the house. One of the casualties was my birdbath. The bowl of the birdbath was broken in two. The base somehow survived. I took the two halves and decided to use them in the garden as garden art.

That left the base standing by its lonesome throughout the fall, the winter and early spring. I found a replacement bowl at Lowe’s the other day and it fit perfectly.

I couldn’t stand the thought of my bird friends not having access to a nice bath or drink of water. It didn’t take long for them to discover it.

When the catbird appears, the robin is right behind him. They take turns. I’ve seen the robin take a bath and catbirds always take baths. They love birdbaths.

How can you not smile watching a bird take a bath? It sure must feel great on a hot day – and the last few days here have been incredibly hot and humid for this time of year. Like much of the country, we are suffering from way too much heat, way too early. Hopefully, in a day or two things will be back to normal.

I’d like my own version of a birdbath.

Happy Tuesday.

Filed Under: birds, garden, nature 20 Comments

Let’s Talk Turkey

April 1, 2012 at 8:30 am by Claudia

Some days have a sort of strange synchronicity. Yesterday morning, when I arose, I spotted 4 or 5 wild turkeys in our back yard. I stood there watching them for a few moments as they slowly walked through the bushes to my neighbor’s yard. I usually see them on our property about 2 or 3 times a year.

Later that day, I was sitting in the den when I spotted a couple of large birds landing on the roof top of my across-the-road neighbor’s house. I grabbed my camera and quietly made my way out on to the porch.

This is a shot of the roof top of the two-story house.

There was another bird hovering in the tree.

How about a closer look?

Turkey Vultures. Soon after this picture was taken, one swooped down to the ground. Then the other followed. The third guy kept watch from the tree.

They eat carrion and I smelled skunk last night and again today… so maybe that’s what they were feasting on.

I don’t want to know.

I did a little research. They are non-aggressive, fairly gentle birds. They come up this way in the spring, which explains why I don’t see them all that often.  I was really lucky to get this shot.

Wild Turkeys and Turkey Vultures. All in one day.

Filed Under: birds, nature 25 Comments

Mr. Cardinal

November 25, 2011 at 8:38 am by Claudia

I glanced out the kitchen window the other day, saw 3 little birds, a woodpecker and our cardinal hanging out together, and ran for my camera. By the time I got back, everyone was gone but Mr. Cardinal. The same thing happened to me last year. I suppose I could walk around the house, camera hanging around my neck, always at the ready for any photo opportunity – but let’s face it, my neck would hurt after a while.

I did manage to snag a great shot of Mr. Cardinal, my elusive friend:

I didn’t edit anything on this photo. Just resized it.

I’m not especially enamored of gray skies and wintry weather. But I find great delight in the occasional splash of red on the landscape provided by Mr. Cardinal. Cardinals are beautiful any time of year, but winter seems made for them. Mr. Cardinal is fast. He doesn’t stay in one place very long, so capturing him via the camera lens is always a challenge. When I finally looked at my shots, every one of them was blurry but one. One is fine with me. Victory!

How was your Thanksgiving? Ours was just perfect. A long walk with the dogs on a beautiful sunny day and dinner cooked by…me. No, you’re not seeing things. I cooked the whole meal and I have to say it was Delicious. We ate too much, of course, that seems to be required on Thanksgiving. I wasn’t sure if we would have pie after eating that rich coconut cream birthday pie but who am I kidding? No pumpkin pie? Nuts! I’m sure glad I made it. Ummm-mmm good!

I will waddle around the house today. Or perhaps I should take a walk. That might be the wiser choice.
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Oh, almost forgot –  Brenda and I have a new logo for our Defending the Small House Series. This one suits us to a T!

Filed Under: birds, defending the small house, Thanksgiving 12 Comments

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Welcome!

Welcome!

I live in a little cottage in the country with my husband. It's a sweet place, sheltered by old trees and surrounded by gardens. The inside is full of the things we love. I love to write, I love my camera, I love creating, I love gardening. My decorating style is eclectic; full of vintage and a bit of whimsy.

I've worked in the theater for more years than I can count. I'm currently a voice, speech, dialect and text coach freelancing on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theater.

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